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The Logan City Council met in special session today with only one item on the agenda, to appoint a new member of city council to replace Mike Allie, who resigned after not attending a single meeting this year.

Logan Mayor Serafino Nolletti open the meeting by saying the council had spent the last seven days trying to come up with someone they all knew and felt comfortable with. Almost before he could get out the request for a motion to appoint the new member, Councilman Ken Lee spoke up to make the motion and Councilwoman Donna Willis was quick to second. Mayor Nolletti called for the vote, which was unanimous, then congratulated Howard Jemerison as the newest member of the Logan City Council.

Mayor Nolletti told the new councilman, “I have known you forever. You are well known throughout the city. Your family is well known throughout our town. You are openminded. I wanted to find somebody who wasn’t self-centered and here after his own gain. We have a lot of projects and I’ve kind of filled you in on them already. Really, you know just about everything that’s going on already. It’s good to see somebody sitting in that seat after a year of nobody sitting there.”

Jemerison said, “I am truly honored that you all trust in me to help with the betterment of Logan, the City of Logan. I’m kind of at a loss for words. I will try to do the best I can.”

Councilman Lee said, “I have known Howard for a long time. He is one of the most honest and sincere people that I know. If you are around enough, you will see him picking up riders and taking them home. He cares about the people of Logan. He cares about the city. I love him.”

Councilman Jay Mullins added his comments, “I am glad you are on board. I know one person who would be happy right now and that’s your dad. I think he would be proud.”

“I’ve known Howard thirty-plus years I guess,” added Councilwoman Donna Willis, “He’s always been a really good guy. He’s a friend to everybody. He knows everybody. I think he will fit right in here with us and do what is right for the city as we do the best we can. He will fit right in with everybody.”

City Clerk Amber Miller Viars said, “I think the world of him too. He is a great choice. I’m glad to have him with us. He already knows everything that’s going on anyway. I’m really glad to have him.”

The attorney for the city, Kendal Partlow, attended the meeting via telephone. He spoke up and said, “What’s this guy’s name?” After the laughter died down, he went on to say, “Howard always has been dedicated to the betterment of the city and whatever he does, its for the betterment of the city and I’m sorry I couldn’t be there today.”

“Well, I look forward to seeing you in the future,” said Councilman Jemerison.

Logan City Police Chief E. K. Harper said, “When I came to this city five years ago, he was friendly and helpful to me from day one. I think a lot of him.”

Code Enforcement Officer Ray Perry said, “I have known Howard for several years. I believe he is one of the most honest people I know. I have sat on committees with him. He has done an outstanding job and I think he will do an oustanding job as a councilman. I think the council make a wise and fantastic decision in choosing Howard. I know that if I needed anything, all I had to do is just walk down the street. I am tickled to death he is going to be part of the council.”

Dave Allen, who has worked with Jemerison for 20 years, spoke up to say Howard used to cut his hair — but he was not responsible for his mullett during the 1980s, “Howard is a fantastic individual. He gives a lot of his time to people, to the youth, sports, grandchildren, he has about 70 children he’s hauling around. The city has done a great job in choosing Howard and one thing I have to echo what everybody else has said, anytime you want to know what is going on in Logan, just call Howard. He knows everybody. You won’t find anybody to say a bad word about him. I applaud the city for making a very, very good choice.”

“The past is the past,” said Amber Viars, “History is being made here today. I believe this is a new beginning and we are going to be better than ever. I really do. The past is the past.”

Mayor Nolletti swore Jemerison in and lunch was provided for the gathering of officials, family and friends.

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